Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
25 of 30
Next
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) celebrates after defeating against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the ACC Conference Tournament Final at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 75-69. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) celebrates after defeating against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the ACC Conference Tournament Final at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 75-69. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Harry Giles at The Step Back.

" >
25

Harry Giles

PF/C, Duke

Draft status: In with an agent

Duke’s Harry Giles feels destined to slip in the 2017 NBA Draft. His performance on the court after returning from an ACL injury and a subsequent knee surgery did not live up to the billing he faced as a the former top-rated prospect in the recruiting class. Giles struggled to find the athleticism that propelled him to that ranking and was in a difficult spot in terms of his on-court development since he wasn’t able to practice for quite a while. However, if Giles’ explosiveness returns — and that’s a reasonably possibility — he could be an excellent steal late in the first round.

Giles has the potential to be a terrific defender because of his ability to protect the rim and defend in space. While this depends on his athleticism returning, he still averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per 40 minutes last season. Those are solid numbers for a big man who wasn’t able to practice early in the season.

Offensively, it’s hard to figure out what to make of Giles at this point. Most likely, he’s going to contribute via energy plays and as a pick-and-roll option. He won’t be elite on this end, but if he can be really good on defense that won’t matter.

Learn more about Harry Giles at The Step Back.